Polish leader says tax on supermarkets to pay for welfare

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poland's prime minister says a planned tax on supermarkets will help pay for new social welfare benefits and will help small businesses.

On Friday, Beata Szydlo opened a national debate on the tax planned by her new right-wing government that is to take effect in 2016. Details are still to be hammered out, but the tax is expected to be paid in proportion to the turnover of supermarkets, chiefly foreign chains, with floor surface of over 250 square meters (2,700 sq. feet).

Szydlo said the tax is to increase state budget revenue and help pay for benefits.

The Law and Justice party took power in November after a campaign in which it promised more benefits for families with children and the elderly.